I agree with your lambasting of Mr. Elliot, Robbin. He strikes me as this very cold, cunning, heartless man, who would have no second thoughts about using people and disposing of them when he got what he wanted. With friends like THAT who needs enemies?

Your mentioning Mr. Smith makes me think of something too.

We've discussed here and there how several characters reflect possible fates Anne and CW could've had. They could've ended up like Benwick and Fanny, or the Harvilles, or the Crofts; Anne could've been like Mrs. Smith: poor and a widow.

Could CW have ended up like Mr. Smith?

Both are almost selflessly generous and loyal to their friends. Mr. Smith "would have divided his last farthing with Mr. Elliot"; CW "would bring any thing of Harville's from the world's end".

Mr. Smith was warm and amiable, with an easy temper and careless habits. Pretty much sounding like CW of '06 who, despite his brilliance and wit and charm and eloquence (siiigh), spent freely what had come freely and therefore realized nothing.